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Red Wings & Tom McCollum Reunite

The indication that Ken Holland still plans to move Petr Mrazek may have been assured as the Red Wings re-acquired Thomas McCollum from Calgary for a conditional draft pick.

McCollum, who last wore the Winged Wheel in the 2014-15 season, was originally drafted by the Wings in 2008. He spent a few seasons with the Toledo Walleye before spending the majority of his time with the AHL affiliate Grand Rapids.

McCollum spent very little time in the Flames system before being loaned out to the Charlotte Checkers by the Stockton Heat, where he played in 17 regular games. He went on to start in five playoff games for the Checkers before being bounced by the Chicago Wolves in the first round matchup.

The Amherst, NY native adds depth to an already crowded position between the pipes. It would seem with the addition of McCollum that the Red Wings still have plans to move Mrazek this offseason; otherwise it would seem a bit puzzling as to why this move was made.

It’s still unknown how Matej Machovsky will fit into the team and whether or not the Wings believe he will be a capable backup to Jimmy Howard. It is also possible Detroit could look to Jared Coreau as a viable backup, giving you solid net minders in Grand Rapids. The experience & price of McCollum also gives the team an alternative option, whether he is set to back up Howard, or spend more time with the Griffins.

Earlier this week, the Wings opted not to qualify Jake Paterson, leaving the team with a few decisions to make before this fall.

In case you forgot, McCollum did backup Mrazek in 2012 when the Griffins made their Calder Cup run.